“It takes a village” was never a more accurate statement than when being a caregiver for an older loved one. That “village” must keep effective, ongoing communication so that you can ensure that everyone involved with care is on the same page. It is also essential for family caregivers to have the possibility to express concerns and to work together to get to resolutions, express different perspectives, and remain proactive in planning for the future.
Holding family meetings that produce positive results includes thinking through the following:
Who should be included – and who should not? Unquestionably, those providing direct or indirect care for the senior should attend and any others with a vested concern for the older adult’s health and well-being. Nonetheless, also remember that while every meeting ought to include the critical members of the senior’s care team, there could be changes to have others as well, based on the meeting’s agenda. And in case you fear that emotions may run high, it can be exceedingly beneficial to enlist the help of an unbiased, trusted mediator.
Must the older loved one attend? There is no blanket answer to cover all circumstances but be cautious about whether the discussion might cause the senior to feel guilty or uncomfortable or whether they may have invaluable insight to share with you. Often, family members can open up and share more truthfully when meetings occur without the older adult present.
What’s your agenda? Determine the real concerns to be discussed, get input from attendees, and then share the agenda with everyone. Pledge to adhere to the items listed and shelve any other subjects (apart from emergencies) until the subsequent meeting.
Where will you meet? Technology provides an excellent venue for hosting meetings for families spread out by geographic location. Still, it’s critical to pick a place free of distractions that will be most comfortable for in-person meetings for everybody. A neutral location, like a library meeting room or local restaurant, is ideal.
Have you specified boundaries? Consider rules that everyone can agree on before a meeting, for instance, refraining from judging others, listening with an open mind, and ensuring a tone of respect during the session. As the meeting progresses, make notes, and go over the notes together after the conversation to ensure that everybody is in agreement on the choices and commitments made.
The knowledgeable team at Modern Health Home Care is available to provide more tips for caregiver meetings and help families with in-home senior care in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. In addition, we can join and facilitate family meetings and provide answers to concerns raised. Reach out to us at 215.995.2012 any time for assistance!
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